Iran’s new calculus: Strike first, talk later An increasingly emboldened Tehran has put President Donald Trump in a bind. Iran
China cuts deal with Houthis, adjusts for long US war with Iran China is cutting its own deals and gaining wartime leverage as the Trump administration scrambles to contain the war and reopen Hormuz. China
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran kills one in Kuwait, targets Egypt for first time Saudi Arabia to announce Red Sea coalition; Netanyahu-Trump meeting raises questions; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US carries out strikes in southern Iran after IRGC attack on Jordan airbase The US says the strikes were retaliation for an attempted IRGC ballistic missile attack on a US airbase in Jordan as Iranian state media report explosions in the country's south. Iran
Newsletter: China-Middle East China cuts deal with Houthis, adjusts for long US war with Iran By Joyce Karam
Newsletter: Business & Tech Houthi attacks, Iran uncertainty rattle oil markets By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Exclusive Saudi Arabia to announce Red Sea coalition to counter Houthi threats By Amberin Zaman , Jared Szuba
KRG doubles down on independence vote after Baghdad meeting A visit by a Kurdish delegation to Baghdad amid strong regional and international objections to a Kurdish independence referendum failed to convince the Iraqi government of the merits of the vote. Iraq
Netanyahu raising alarm on Iran, again Israel has told US and Russian officials that Iran’s long-term strategies and its missile capabilities endanger the region. Saudi Arabia
Iran, Turkey move to re-establish role as regional backbone Despite their major differences over key regional crises in past years, shared threats and shared objectives are once again pushing Iran and Turkey together. Turkey
Iranian Reformist MPs under fire for confirming conservative ministers The Reformist Omid faction in the Iranian parliament is under fire for having voted to confirm controversial conservative ministers. Iran
Tensions flare between US, Shiite factions in Iraq The recent escalation by Iran-affiliated Iraqi Shiite militias against US forces on the Iraqi-Syrian border may offer an early indication of the coming confrontation between the two sides after the Islamic State is eliminated from Iraq. Iraq
Turkey fumes as Sinjar Yazidis declare 'democratic autonomy' Some Yazidis have announced their opposition to the Iraqi Kurdistan independence vote, as Turkey and Iran consider attacking the Yazidi-allied PKK in the Qandil Mountains. Iraq
Iran’s Quds Force commander calls for national unity Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani discusses the importance for mosques to encourage unity among Iranians and to attract diverse crowds. Iran
Saudi Arabia woos Persian-speaking Sunnis in Central Asia A deterioration in economic and political relations between Tehran and Dushanbe since moderate Hassan Rouhani first took office has allowed Saudi Arabia to expand its influence in Tajikistan at Iran’s expense. Saudi Arabia
Iranian Kurdish fighters step up clashes ahead of KRG independence vote The increased attacks against Iranian forces by Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in Iraq raise questions about the future of relations between Erbil and Tehran. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Saudi gamble on Hamas could pay off, or enrich rival Iran The Saudis are increasing pressure on Hamas, which might win them points with US President Donald Trump and Israel, but drive the Palestinian movement and its allies toward Iran. Saudi Arabia
Haley to press IAEA on Iran deal compliance The US ambassador to the United Nations and rising Republican star has been sharply critical of Tehran. United States
Iran opposition leader ends hunger strike Iranian opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi ends his hunger strike after authorities meet one demand and reportedly pledge to meet the other. Iran
